Sun Peaks Resort looks toward next winter with newly awarded SafeTravels Stamp

SUN PEAKS, B.C. — Sun Peaks Resort is nearing the end of winter ski season on a high note.

The mountain resort has been award the SafeTravels Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Megan Nelson, Senior Specialist with Tourism Sun Peaks Market Development says the distinction will be extremely useful once travel picks up again.

“The Safe Travel stamp is going to be a really great tool for us to start marketing again when travel resumes to really showcase that we’re a safe destination to visit, and it also shows that our protocols align with those of the World Travel and Tourism Council.”

Throughout the pandemic Tourism Sun Peaks, the municipality and the Resort collaborated on safety measures — which include consistent reminder signs throughout the area.

“We did things like reducing lift ticket numbers, and really trying to control how many people are up here throughout the day,” explains Nelson, “That’s our number one thing, is to make sure that everyone is safe while they’re here.”

Tourism Sun Peaks CEO Arlene Schieven says season pass use is up this year, and outdoor activities aside from skiing and snowboarding have also been increasingly popular.

“Certainly, there are more people out on the Nordic trails and snowshoeing. Just the idea of coming outside and close to Kamloops and yet a little bit different has been a huge appeal.”

This year the majority of visitors hitting the slopes at Sun Peaks Resort are from the local area. But Schieven says without the usual influx of international and out of province visitation, hotel room bookings have suffered.

“Hotel occupancy is just a fraction of what it would normally be at this time of year. Typically we’d be up close to 80 per cent occupied and instead we’re in the mid-30s. That’s tough for our businesses.”

The regional market has kept things afloat but COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on the municipality. Sun Peaks Mayor Al Raine says in January, businesses were down in revenue almost 70 per cent, and almost 60 per cent in February.

“A year ago at this time I don’t think I would have predicted what has happened to us.”

Over the past year Raine says there have been virus cases on the mountain, but not the widespread transmission seen in other areas of B.C.

“Through the summer, fall, and this winter — 16, 17 people, and each time the health centre has really jumped on it. They’ve got the results the next morning, made sure people are isolating.”

The mayor says he’s not entirely sure yet how the vaccination clinics will work for Sun Peaks residents. Raine figures those in the higher age bracket will likely go to Kamloops for their appointments, but when younger age categories start becoming eligible there could be a three-day vaccination clinic at the health centre.

As the vaccine roll out picks up speed, Raine says they’re hopeful next season will look a little closer to normal.

“The good thing is families from this region are skiing more than I think they’ve ever skied — so they’re taking advantage of it. But I think we’re all looking forward to next year.”